Two special jazz performances Oct. 16 and 17

Courtesy photo of Payson Jazz Trio

Come dance, if you like, or listen to swinging ballads right out of the American song book performed by the Payson Jazz Trio on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Payson Community Presbyterian Church, 800 West Main Street.

It is free and open to everyone. The band is performing as part of the church's Fall Festival and celebration of it's 75th anniversary. There will be activities throughout the day, which will be concluded by the Payson Jazz performance starting at 5 p.m.

Some of the 22 tunes that may be performed are: "A Foggy Day," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Black Orpheus," "My Foolish Heart," "Georgia," "Autumn Leaves," "Lady Is a Tramp," "Girl From Ipanema," "When Sunny Gets Blue," "With a Song in My Heart," "Soul Eyes," just to give you an idea.

The trio consists of pianist Bob Smolenski, bassist Mike Buskirk, and Gerry Reynolds on the drums.

You may let me know if you plan to come by returning an email to gerryr@cox.net.

The Pita Jungle Trio & Guest
Sunday October 17th, 2 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church
800 West Main Street, Payson

Dave Ihlenfeld - piano
Steve Douglas - bass
Gerry Reynolds - drums
and our guest
Ken Hales - trumpet

For more than 10 years the Pita Jungle restaurant at the southeast corner of Dobson & Ray roads in Chandler has hosted a Thursday night jam session led by the Pita Jungle Trio. The members of the trio do change from time to time, as do the jazz musicians who come to sit-in and play, but the music remains the same, swinging, rollicking as well as mellow, all American renditions of tunes right out of the American song books of jazz.

Pianist Dave Ihlenfeld has performed at "The Pita" for a good amount of time. He has extensive experience performing and teaching modern jazz at the university level, and he has written a number of original compositions which will be performed. In addition, as the holidays are approaching, everyone will recognize and enjoy Dave's renditions of "Snoopy" holiday tunes.

Bassist Steve Douglas resides in Sedona, but often sits-in at "The Pita." Currently a working professional, he has more than 40 years of playing experience, having worked with top professionals throughout the United States. Extremely versitile, Steve brings the art of jazz improvisation to a high level, but at the same time remains the backbone, pulse of the band -- one can't keep from toe tapping and exclaiming, "Man, that guy can really swing."

Drummer Gerry Reynolds cofounded the Pita Jungle jam sessions and continues to perform there each week. It's been said that there is no better training for playing jazz than on the job experience with top-flight musicians. And Gerry has had plenty of that, playing behind many outstanding musicians, too many to mention here. Gerry, most know, organizes and performs at the monthly jazz concerts at the Payson Community Presbyterian Church.

Our guest, Trumpeter Ken Hales, has been performing for many years, and he just keeps getting better. A frequent "jammer" at "The Pita," he, Dave, Steve and Gerry have developed a special rapport that should please all listeners. Ken's day gig is in computer engineering, but he carries his bag of horns with him everywhere, including to his second home in Strawberry.

The performance is open to all, and a donation will be accepted.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please rsvp if possible to gerryr@cox.net.